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Merry Christmas! Maybe it’s because of some vestigial religious undertones to this holiday, or maybe it’s because the end of the tax year is rapidly approaching, along with the urgency of maximizing your annual deductions. Either way, this is a particularly philanthropic time of year. And since I’m personally feeling very charitable right now, I’ve decided to do you all the favor of telling you that when it comes to philanthropy, you’re doing it wrong.

Charitable giving has a new look, one that is broadening the giving pool and helping keep the dollars rolling into nonprofits even during tough economic times, according to a new report. The reason for this change are so-called donor-advised funds, which are the fasting growing charitable giving vehicle in the country. Some 175,000 of these giving accounts now hold $37 billion in assets, up 34% in since 2009. That growth has defied general sluggishness in charitable giving since the financial crisis.

Charitable giving has a new look, one that is broadening the giving pool and helping keep the dollars rolling into nonprofits even during tough economic times, according to a new report. The reason for this change are so-called donor-advised funds, which are the fasting growing charitable giving vehicle in the country. Some 175,000 of these giving accounts now hold $37 billion in assets, up 34% in since 2009. That growth has defied general sluggishness in charitable giving since the financial crisis.

Forty-four donors gave gifts of $50 million or more to charity last year. The top 10 alone totaled $3.3 billion. But if you really want to know how America gives, look at the explosive growth of donor-advised funds, which have become a kind of personal foundation for Everyman.

Forty-four donors gave gifts of $50 million or more to charity last year. The top 10 alone totaled $3.3 billion. But if you really want to know how America gives, look at the explosive growth of donor-advised funds, which have become a kind of personal foundation for Everyman.

In this occasional series, we highlight the charitable work of individuals and companies doing good for society.
The Company: TELUS
The Cause: TELUS Celebration of Giving
Telus is giving $46-million in Canada this year, including $4.9-million in the greater Toronto area. Telus employees also participate in its Give Where You Live program, volunteering 15,000 hours.